tag:dreamwidth.org,2016-12-03:2565279The Heart of the MatterMy Journey With Frodo and Samwallace_trust2018-02-25T21:45:48Ztag:dreamwidth.org,2016-12-03:2565279:31280Music Review-- "The Hidden Door" CD by Ted Nasmith2018-02-25T21:42:50Z2018-02-25T21:45:48Z"The Hidden Door" by Ted Nasmithcontentpublic5<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong> Music Review-- "The Hidden Door" CD by Ted Nasmith</strong></span><br /><br />For some reason the title isn't showing on this entry, so I've pasted it into the text. Anyway... Ted Nasmith is best known as one of the most famous Tolkien illustrators of all time, but it's not at all uncommon for artists to practice across disciplines. On his first CD he demonstrates an uncommon musical talent and gives us an intimate look into a beautiful soul. "The Hidden Door" is a collection of 11 songs, some Tolkien-related, some not, but most having to do with some aspect of Faerie. Nasmith skilfully plays the acoustic guitar as he sings his own delightful compositions! <br /><br /><div>1. "Leaving the Shire" is a piece that evokes Frodo and his friends on their autumn journey into adventure. Featuring guitars and recorders played by Ted's musical brother Bruce. <br /> </div><div>2. "Where Beauty Dwells" is a lovely reverie with a gorgeous floating melody played on guitar and harp, with chirping recorders mimicking the songs of birds. It's about walking in the woods and fields and finding beauty to refresh the spirit. This one feels quite personal, and could easily be Frodo on one of his long hikes. An incredibly beautiful composition, worth the entire price of the album. <br /> </div><div>3. "To the Sea" is a composition built to showcase the Professor's poem of the same name. Lovely and accompanied by the sounds of surf and sea-bells.<br /> </div><div>4. "A King There Was" is about the elf king Thingol and his daughter Luthien. This is a solid composition, but it is the only one on the disc which consistently fails to hold my attention. No doubt a failing of mine rather than the music's! <br /> </div><div>5. "River Daughter" is of course about Goldberry; it is Frodo's poem to her. I've always found Frodo's reaction to her rather endearing, as he himself is confused by it! This composition is lovely, very much a reverie in line with "Where Beauty Dwells," and the arrangement is quite sophisticated. <br /> </div><div>6. "When Evening in the Shire was Grey:" I am thrilled viscerally any time good actors or musicians manage to give Frodo and Sam a convincing voice, and this sweet and plaintive song is very convincing indeed. In this piece my two favorite hobbits are brought vividly to life as they sing their little songs about Gandalf in Lothlorien. It moved me and choked me up. The melody sounds a little amateurish in places, but it just adds to the charm as this is deliberate. Sam and Frodo are not musicians, after all. :) Another song worth the price of the whole album. <br /> </div><div>7. "Rainbows in the Sun" is a heartfelt tribute to a lovely "elf" Ted once met in Sedona, Arizona. A bright and cheerful song, skilfully arranged. <br /> </div><div>8. "To the Woody End" is a slightly darker reverie about "a musical journey into the imagination and bliss." A nice and somewhat unusual piece, but it does not captivate me the way his previous reveries do.<br /> </div><div>9. "Dying Embers" is the only piece on this disc I would call depressing. It is an authentic lament about losing one's faculties to age and time. It's still worth listening to. <br /> </div><div>10. "Beruthiel." Queen Beruthiel, as Tolkien aficionados know, is the ultimate 'crazy cat lady.' Queen of Osgiliath long ago, she is a dark, shadowy figure always accompanied by her cat collection-- 'nine black and one of white' which act as spies for her. This outstanding ballad with its rich chords and lyrics vividly recounts Tolkien's cautionary tale. A must-listen. <br /> </div><div>11. "The Hidden Door" is another one I love-- Nasmith calls it an 'inspirational song' and I agree. It uplifts the heart and acknowledges that not everyone has eyes to see enchantment, or the wisdom to appreciate it. It is gorgeous, and leaves me with a smile every time. <br /> </div><div>Overall, this is an outstanding first album from an already well-known artist, and a must-have for any Tolkien addict. May he record many, many more! <br /> </div><div>Currently available as a <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/The-Hidden-Door-by-Ted-Nasmith-Tolkien-related-Music-CD-SIGNED-by-Ted/332527690934?hash=item4d6c31e4b6:g:XkMAAOSw~T9aZHkD">signed copy on eBay </a>for 9.99 GBP (And no, I wasn't put up to this!) <br /> </div><div> </div><br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=wallace_trust&ditemid=31280" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> commentstag:dreamwidth.org,2016-12-03:2565279:27430LOTR Music Review #3: "The Quest: A Musical Journey" by Carlin2018-01-13T03:59:50Z2018-01-13T03:59:50Z"The Quest" by Carlinartisticpublic15 <br /><img src="http://www.spacepiratefilms.com/wallace_trust/Thequest.jpg" alt="Album cover" width="200" height="198" align="middle" /> <br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>Performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.</div><div> </div><div>I didn't really appreciate what I had when I first won this on eBay last year, but once I received it things changed very quickly indeed. I'll tell you right up front that this exquisite recording belongs in every Tolkien fan's collection, but unfortunately it is exceedingly rare. Good luck finding a copy-- though as a rare book collector I feel that a determined search through the New Zealand secondhand stores would probably turn it up, as it went gold there. Still, I certainly can't locate it on Amazon, and a quick Google search did not turn up any copies for sale. The only article of substance I've found on it is this one: <br /> </div><div><a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=228888">http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=228888</a><br /> </div><div>With the dozens of Howard Shore covers adding to my confusion, this outstanding and completely original orchestral work from New Zealand had passed completely under my radar. <br /> </div><div>The CD consists of twelve tracks: Royal Fanfare, Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Dance of the Elves, Attack on Helm's Deep, The Quest, The Dark Lord, Flight, A Journey in the Dark, Suspense, Sorrow, The Shadow of the Past, and Farewell.<br /> </div><div>"Royal Fanfare" is what it says, the majestic, heraldic, fully orchestral beginning of the greatest Quest of them all. <br /> </div><div>"Battle of the Pelennor Fields" sounds more like its aftermath, with a foreboding beginning, a stately, heart-rending theme and lovely touches of tragic dialogue between the instruments. I can easily hear the final parting of Eowyn and Theoden in this monumental piece. <br /> </div><div>"Dance of the Elves" is unusual, in a good way. Most music inspired by the Professor's elves tends to be stately and ethereal. This short piece, however, is robust, using percussion and kettle drums, and it's full of energy and laughter, showing Tolkien's elves at play. <br /> </div><div>"Attack on Helm's Deep" is dark and distinctly Celtic, with percussion that reminded me of Saruman's forges under Isengard. Plaintive violins, harps and pennywhistles add a very human touch as the defenders stand watch upon the battlements. <br /> </div><div>"The Quest" is a marvelous composition, with a lovely and touching melody played on violins, horns and a lovely clear flute and oboe, which evokes a feeling of adventure, vast sweeping landscapes, and the open road. Yet it is also kind and intimate, as though we are experiencing the emotions deep in Frodo's heart as he sets forth once again upon his timeless journey. <br /> </div><div>"The Dark Lord" is dark indeed, and uses a full orchestra with an electric guitar on an FX pedal to evoke the harsh beauties of evil. Even this portrayal has great majesty. <br /> </div><div>"Flight" connects quite directly with "The Quest" and covers some of the most perilous moments of the story. <br /> </div><div>"A Journey in the Dark" is the perfect score and soundtrack to a scene which is strangely neglected in most Tolkien-inspired music: Frodo and Sam's first encounter with Shelob! The first time I listened to this I was on the edge of my seat, as the music is vivid and provides a crystal clear illustration of the scene just as it is written in the book. From their first fearful steps into the dark, to Shelob's chilling and venomous hiss, to Frodo wielding the Star-Glass-- it's all chronicled here in bright stereo detail. Beautiful, clear, and perfect! <br /> </div><div>"Suspense" begins with Sam's plaintive pennywhistle, crying Frodo's name over and over. Then come the orcs with their harrying horns and drums, and as they disappear again we are left with only poor Sam's heartbeat. <br /> </div><div>"Sorrow" is brief and not so clear, but following the Cirith Ungol action as it does, (and with its accompanying description-- "reflection over the loss of a friend") it feels to me that this is Sam in his worst despair. This work is too short, not really coming into its own, and therefore it is the weakest composition on the disc, but it's still of fine soundtrack quality. <br /> </div><div>"The Shadow of the Past" is a reprise of the beautiful melody of "The Quest." The feeling is that all is over now, but we are remembering some of the most marvelous moments of the adventure. <br /> </div><div>"Farewell" is, of course, the farewell at the end of the book, beginning tenderly with harps and wind instruments and proceeding onward to a majestic full-orchestral score which heralds the beginning of another journey, before finally ending peacefully with harp and violins as the sun sets in the west.<br /> </div><div>I wish you all luck finding this disc. As I previously indicated, a thorough search of New Zealand secondhand music dealers might turn one up. An eBay search might do the same thing-- it's how I found mine. If you do locate one, don't hesitate! This is a first-rate classical composition from beginning to end, by turns moving, exciting, vivid and deep, and its performance is flawless. <br /><br /> </div><div> </div><br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=wallace_trust&ditemid=27430" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> commentstag:dreamwidth.org,2016-12-03:2565279:19597A Couple More Ambient Atmospheres :)2017-08-30T05:45:37Z2017-08-30T05:45:37ZAmbient atmospheressatisfiedpublic1Making these is so relaxing, and not difficult at all! Thanks again, Febobe! :D<br /><br />Here are two versions of Tol Eressea for your pleasure: <br /><br /><a href="https://lotr-sounds.ambient-mixer.com/in-the-blessed-realm">#1</a> has a solemn yet ethereal melody which is derived from a stock music clip on the Ambient Mixer site.<br /><br /><a href="https://lotr-sounds.ambient-mixer.com/in-the-blessed-realm-ii">#2</a> features a loop of my own music set against the same environmental sounds. I'm not sure which of these I like the best, but both atmospheres were of course assembled with Sam and Frodo in mind, walking slowly along some peaceful beach in the Uttermost West. :) <br /><br /><br /><br type="_moz" /><br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=wallace_trust&ditemid=19597" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> commentstag:dreamwidth.org,2016-12-03:2565279:19205"In the Fields of Valinor" Harp Piece, Revisited2017-08-29T22:38:45Z2017-08-29T22:38:45Z"In the Fields of Valinor"calmpublic8Thinking about all those poor folks displaced by Harvey, and their furry friends too :( Our problems here are so trivial compared to that ongoing disaster. <br /><br />Crowd work tends to be slower over the summer months, so, trying to engage in something new as a distraction from my worries, I decided to explore a freeware called <a href="https://lmms.io">LMMS</a> the other day. This is a free and very comprehensive software package for a home music studio. I am really impressed by it and highly recommend it for anyone who wants to make music. <br /><br />The sound sample library it ships with is enormous and the samples are of high quality. Using a combination of "Plucked Strings 3" and "Moonlight Piano" I was able to more or less duplicate the voice of my currently broken harp, Edelweiss. Then I got into the sequencer and found out how easy it is to enter music using its "Piano Roll" method. This is something anyone can use to compose with, even if they don't know much about notation. Anyway, I finally decided to try recording my "Frodo in Valinor" piece which I posted here in sheet music form some weeks ago. <br /><br />It worked pretty well. I did change some notes, as I didn't like what the synth did to the bass 5ths as well as several of the chords. Ironically the software's automation track, which is easier to use than I would have believed, helped me add some humanity to the playback, though not nearly enough yet IMHO. Still, even though this is very amateurish and only my first attempt using LMMS, it will at least give an idea of what the song is supposed to sound like ^_^<br /><br />I chose not to embed this file, just posted it <a href="http://www.spacepiratefilms.com/wallace_trust/Fields%20of%20Valinor%20Final%201-04.wav">here</a> on my cousin's server. My web browser (Opera) automatically starts playing the file when I click on the link, so I'm hoping this will work for you, too. If too many people can't play the file, however, I'll post it on SoundCloud, so let me know :) <br /><br />Oh yes, (for Febobe especially) I did post a loop from this on <a href="https://www.ambient-mixer.com">AmbientMixer.com</a>, which is one of the neatest audio websites I have ever seen! It's under "Music--Synth" as "Valinorean Fields Harp." That website has close to a hundred beautiful Tolkien-inspired atmospheres, including one <a href="https://lotr-sounds.ambient-mixer.com/hobbit-garden">remix</a> by me! :D <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br type="_moz" /><br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=wallace_trust&ditemid=19205" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> commentstag:dreamwidth.org,2016-12-03:2565279:17161LOTR Music Review #2: "Lord of the Rings" by Legacy Entertainment2017-07-31T07:11:52Z2017-08-01T03:14:37Z"Lord of the Rings" by Legacycalmpublic7 As most of us already know, the Professor's written work has so permeated the culture that references to it abound absolutely everywhere. All a person has to do is to keep their eyes and ears open, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of music. There are literally hundreds of musical recordings out there which are based on Tolkien's works and characters, and quite a few of them are epic and well worth collecting. Nevertheless, most professionally published fan music only obliquely references its source, so most LOTR-based recordings, with some exceptions, are more circumspect than this ambitious 2004 album.<br /><br /><div>Perhaps because of the boldness of its title, no performer's names or other identifying features are listed on the CD flyer except for "Jason Bouwman Illustration," which designed the cover art-- there isn't even a publisher's address. But the performers on this disc are highly inspired professionals, and include an acoustic guitarist, a pianist/synth player, a drummer, vocalists, an impressive choir and at least one very good composer. <br /> </div><div>The disc, which is not available as a download, is composed of ten tracks. EDIT: The disc IS available as a download, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015KQ5VHA/">here!</a> Thanks, <span style='white-space: nowrap;'><a href='https://filkferengi.dreamwidth.org/profile'><img src='https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png' alt='[personal profile] ' width='17' height='17' style='vertical-align: text-bottom; border: 0; padding-right: 1px;' /></a><a href='https://filkferengi.dreamwidth.org/'><b>filkferengi</b></a></span> !<br /> </div><div>1. "Sing Hey" This beautiful piece reminds me of Rivendell, with a capable singer, and an acoustic guitar performing lovely chords which evoke the "sehnsucht" recently described to some of us by <span style='white-space: nowrap;'><a href='https://sartorias.dreamwidth.org/profile'><img src='https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png' alt='[personal profile] ' width='17' height='17' style='vertical-align: text-bottom; border: 0; padding-right: 1px;' /></a><a href='https://sartorias.dreamwidth.org/'><b>sartorias</b></a></span> -- the emotion of deep longing which we feel while witnessing great beauty. An interesting interlude in the midst of the piece contrasts with the rest, sounding a bit like Gollum creeping past an otherwise lovely scene.<br /> </div><div>2. "Gandalf" begins with a choir singing in a style totally befitting this character's power, majesty and dignity-- perhaps illustrating his origin as one of the Maiar. Then synthesizers, electric guitars and drums enter the picture, and we are given a tense, action-filled overview of the wizard's adventures. A lingering interlude with a female choir suggests his healing in Lorien, and this is followed by an unusually jazzy moment of gloom-and-doom before he sets out again on his epic journey.<br /> </div><div>3. "Fog on the Barrow Downs" begins with a tentative, contemporary synth composition which segues into a bit of slightly dated soft rock. Then comes a pleasant, rollicking medieval interlude, played on period instruments, which reminds me of Bree. Modern instruments eventually enter to strengthen the backbone of the melody, but before long we've left town and are on the road again, accompanied by the same synthesizers with which we began. <br /> </div><div>4. "I Sang of Leaves of Gold" features the same singer and guitarist who we heard on the first track, making it easy to visualize Galadriel wandering among the trees of Lorien.<br /> </div><div>5. "Ever On and Ever Goes the Road" is a piece my Frodo/Sam "radar" finds extremely interesting. (I could write an entire essay on "plausible deniability" regarding the treatment of my favorite pairing by fan music-- and maybe someday I will.) Anyway, this composition sounds like them to me, as they begin their long march down to Mordor and beyond from the heights of the Emyn Muil. It's quite unusual, consisting of a long, call-and-response "conversation" between two synthetic violins superimposed over a steady synth pedal which unambiguously illustrates weary marching feet. (Violins are a favorite among fan musicians when they wish to illustrate the sweetness of Sam and Frodo.) There are a few brief moments of discord, and many lovely displays of harmony; times when their melodies run parallel to one another, and times when they despair; and the piece is long enough to be quite satisfying. Though (by design) it is not particularly beautiful or flashy, by the music's end I always feel as though I have been honored to have had such an intimate journey with these, the most humble of heroes. <br /> </div><div>6. "The Riders of Theoden" Probably the weakest track on the disc, this composition still begins impressively enough with the choir and the sounds of a horse running in circles. A grating synth entering the background does not appeal, but this quickly turns into a lively keyboard composition representing great deeds. Then back to the choir we go for more drama.<br /> </div><div>7. "Annon Edhellen" This exquisite composition tends to bring tears to my eyes, and is rich in the aforementioned "sehnsucht." It's the one I can't forget, and it is the most beautiful composition on this disc. I don't know which part of LOTR the composer was thinking of when this was written-- perhaps they were thinking of several scenes at once, or the beauty of the book in general. But when I listen to this, I see Frodo and Bilbo standing at the prow of their swan ship, laying their eyes on that "far green country" beyond the Sundering Seas for the very first time. And the final chord does not return to the root, but leaves us hanging, for the road goes ever on...<br /> </div><div>8. "Party at Bag End" And do hobbits know how to party! This piece begins with the eager anticipation of a chatting crowd, quickly adding a touch of sparkly chimes and a magic flute before diving into a robust, rollicking, vaguely medieval-sounding celebration. But a thread of tension runs through this celebration, as though it is to be taken more seriously than it appears. At its climax we are having a blast, with a rock-and-roll band showing us this is one heck of a party; but a brief interlude of plucked strings and flute also illustrates someone tiptoeing out the door... <br /> </div><div>9. "One Ring" The disc's second weakest composition, this piece has a strong melody but IMHO suffers at the beginning from a mishmash of instrumentation, including a synth that almost sounds like a light saber. Still, much of it stands strongly, so your mileage may vary. The tune at its height is very dramatic. <br /> </div><div>10. "Bilbo's Song" is haunting and lovely, a beautiful, sad, sehnsucht-filled melodic collaboration between a very good saxophone player and an equally good pianist. It's too bad we may never find out who the performers were. <br /> </div><div>Overall, I would give "Lord of the Rings" a solid A+. However, be advised that this piece is not as rarified as the lofty works by the Tolkien Ensemble, or "In Elven Lands." This is lovely and innovative pop music. I consider it an important part of my collection. <br /><br /> As far as I can tell, the disc has two editions, with different cover art for each. It is not overly easy to locate and may require some online searching. The only way to positively I.D. it is to check the track listings. I've seen it on several big name websites at wildly varying prices; I got mine from eBay for $1.99. <br /><br />EDIT: Here is a photo of my edition, to aid in identification. <br /><br /><img src="http://www.spacepiratefilms.com/wallace_trust/LOTR%20disc%201.jpg" alt="Album cover" width="500" height="212" align="middle" /><br /> </div><div> </div><br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=wallace_trust&ditemid=17161" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> commentstag:dreamwidth.org,2016-12-03:2565279:10890Frodo for Harp :)2017-05-06T16:08:39Z2017-05-06T16:08:39ZSee above :)nostalgicpublic10<div style="margin-left: 40px;">*Draws deep breath. These blasted cut tags...! I can't ever get them right on the first try...*<br /> </div><div> </div><div style="margin-left: 40px;">I've composed a couple of dozen pieces of music for LOTR over the years. In fact, I am harboring a tune right now that's been bugging me to write it down-- something about two little swallows soaring in the air over the sea. Anyway, here is a find from one of my storage boxes ^_^ I'm afraid this little piece isn't anything as grand as some of the Frodo-inspired harp music I've heard on CD, but it got me a passing grade in one of my college psychomusicology courses ^_^ <br /> </div><div style="margin-left: 40px;">Done under one of my old, overly dramatic pen names ^_^</div><div style="margin-left: 40px;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 40px;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 40px;"> </div><span class="cut-wrapper"><span style="display: none;" id="span-cuttag___1" class="cuttag"></span><b class="cut-open">( </b><b class="cut-text"><a href="https://wallace-trust.dreamwidth.org/10890.html#cutid1">Sheet music below the cut...</a></b><b class="cut-close"> )</b></span><div style="display: none;" id="div-cuttag___1" aria-live="assertive"></div><br /><br /><img src="https://www.dreamwidth.org/tools/commentcount?user=wallace_trust&ditemid=10890" width="30" height="12" alt="comment count unavailable" style="vertical-align: middle;"/> comments